City of Hartford to pay $885G to family whose dog was shot by cops in 2006

Glen Harris has been awarded $885,000 by the city of Hartford after police killed his dog, a 3-year-old Saint Bernard, in front of his then 12-year-old daughter in 2006. (The Nation via YouTube)

After a legal battle lasting more than 10 years, the City of Hartford has agreed to pay $885,000 to a family whose beloved pet dog was shot by police in 2006.

Hartford Police Sgts. Johnmichael O'Hare and Anthony Pia entered a fenced-in backyard 11 years ago after receiving a bad tip that told them weapons had been stashed in an abandoned car, the Hartford Courant reported.

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They were met by Glen Harris' 115-pound St. Bernard, who growled and then charged at the officers — prompting them to fatally shoot the 3-year-old dog in front of Harris' 12-year-old daughter.

Earlier in the day, both officers were involved in a multicar chase as they pursued a pair of carjackers. Pia helped catch one of the suspects while O'Hare nabbed the other, injuring himself during the chase, according to the newspaper.

O'Hare was advised to get medical attention but the duo was rerouted before they reached the hospital. They were told a prominent gang leader who was fresh out of prison had been caught with heroin and was willing to trade information for leniency. Pia and O'Hare were told guns belonging to the dealer were stashed in a car at the Harris' house.

Harris said his daughter was traumatized by the incident and, in 2012, unsuccessfully sued the city and its police department for unlawfully stepping on his property. The judge ruled police were acting in public interest and didn't need a warrant to enter the property, according to the Courant.

Harris' attorney, Jon Schoenhorn appealed about two years later and a U.S. Court of Appeals reversed the ruling. It said while the officers were reasonable in following the tip, they should have gotten a warrant before entering Harris' property.

The second jury awarded Harris and his daughter $202,000 in damages. The total $885,000 settlement, approved by the Hartford City Council Monday night, also includes punitive damages against the officers — about $16,000 apiece — as well as legal costs, which will make up about three-quarters of the overall payout.